Destinations
Last Chance To Win Hawaii Trip
Sunny climes lie ahead for a lucky travel agent. Hawai‘i Tourism Canada has joined with WestJet Vacations on a Hawaii vacation contest that has a grand prize that will award an agent a trip for two to Hawaii that includes return flights courtesy of WestJet Vacations and a five-night stay at the Aston Kaanapali Shores on Maui. Colin Wood, account director for Hawai'i Tourism Canada, was quick to offer kind words for Hawai'i Tourism Canada's partners in the contest, declaring that WestJet has “tons of flights” from this country to Hawaii and that WestJet Vacations' collection of...
Tourism Ireland Celebrates Samhain (Halloween)
It was a dark and stormy night – well, it very well could have been – 3,000 years ago when the first traces of Halloween took place in Ireland. “It was an Ancient Celtic festival called Samhain, about 3,000 years ago folks would dress up in costume to ward off evil spirits,” says Dana Welch, manager, Tourism Ireland, Canada. “One of the fun facts is it was actually turnips that were carved originally, which then morphed into pumpkins as it became more westernized.” Tourism Ireland shared the history of Halloween last night (Oct. 29) during an evening at Dora Keogh Irish...
Passion At Play
Moving beyond destination-based marketing and attracting visitors to specific cities like London or Birmingham, VisitBritain’s new I Travel For brand campaign focuses on the passions that inspire people to travel, reports assistant editor, Ann Ruppenstein in this week's digital edition of Canadian Travel Press. “It's really about what is the reason for travel, what's the motivation, what's the passion for travel and why are people travelling? And then connecting that to the uniquely British experiences that we can offer that you can't find anywhere else,” Gavin Landry, director...
WestJet Celebrates 15 Years in Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil joined WestJet President and CEO Ed Sims at WestJet's Calgary campus Friday (Oct. 26) to celebrate 15 years of investment in the province, creating jobs, driving economic growth and furthering the region's strategic business and tourism objectives. “WestJet's presence in Nova Scotia has made a significant, positive impact regionally, nationally and internationally,” said Premier McNeil. “That commitment to our province enhances trade, investment and business growth while helping attract more students, immigrants, and visitors. We congratulate...
Sunwing Adds Grenada To Sun Lineup
Sunwing has added The Spice Island – Grenada – to its list of Sun destinations for the upcoming winter season. Seasonal direct flights from Toronto to Grenada will operate on Sundays starting Dec. 16 and run through April 21. Known as the island of spice, Grenada is home to lush mountains, rainforests and waterfalls. Andrew Dawson, president of Tour Operations for Sunwing, commented, “We pride ourselves on seeking out the best destinations for our customers to experience each year. The island of Grenada is a welcome addition to our ever-expanding roster as it offers...
MSC Divina Back in the US
MSC Cruises’ MSC Divina has officially returned to the US after sailing the past season in the Mediterranean. Divina was in New York and is now making its way to Miami, completing its transatlantic journey. Through March 2019, MSC Divina will offer longer 10- and 11-night Caribbean itineraries out of Miami, as well as several shorter three-night sailings, ideal for those looking for a quick getaway as well as groups. Some longer itineraries include a stop in Cartagnea, Colombia. Nov. 19 and Dec. 9 cruises feature a baseball-themed sailing with former Major League pitcher Stan...
Hitting The Slopes In Vermont
Mike Chait thinks going downhill can be uplifting for toddlers. Chait, spokesman for Vermont's Smugglers' Notch resort, says its Snow Sport University begins familiarizing some children with snowboarding before they even reach standard kindergarten age. “The idea is to get them to fall in love with snowboarding. It's teaching them to love it,” Chait said during a Thursday Ski Vermont event in Toronto. “They're never too young to learn. If they can stand, they can learn that snowboarding is fun.” Smugglers' Notch – which bills itself as America's Family Resort and was...
Puerto Vallarta Reports No Major Hurricane Damage
Puerto Vallarta officials are reporting that after an extensive evaluation of the city after the passage of Hurricane Willa, no significant damage is being reported and operations are normal. Puerto Vallarta’s tourism infrastructure – including Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport, which has remained open, trans-national roads and the marina, cruise port and Pier Los Muertos – are operating normal. According to Adrian Bobadilla, head of Civil Protection and Puerto Vallarta’s Fire Department, a total of 587 tourists and 62 locals were housed in city shelters...